deicer

How do most service departments treat you if you purchase your GL from another dealer but take it to them? Example purchase new from a dealer farther away and take it to a dealer closer for service.

captivabenz

In my experience, the service and coverage does not make any difference. However, the ability to obtain a free loaner car while your vehicle is being repaired is only at the dealership you purchased the car. That can be a major incentive to return to your original location.

i_am_amused

not necessarily

I bought my S55 at a BMW dealer and have been able to get a free "loaner" from the MB dealer near my work every time i've been in. It's not an actual loaner, it's from Enterprise (on-site) and I get 24 hours paid rent through the MB dealer's voucher system. It's easy, convenient, and free (for 24 hours).

The only drawback is having to drive a tiny, weak C300 after having arrived in my Titanic-sized rocket sled

43221B

Where I am, it makes absolutely no difference. The service advisors have never asked me where I bought my GL and I purchased out of state. I've used two local dealers and had the same experience. All they ask for is the VIN. The loaner car is just based on scheduling your work about a week or two out so that there is availability. My SAs are commissioned and they want my business, that's all they care about. Further, they think most of the sales guys are flakes. Just my experience though.

Btw, when I was shopping for my GL one of the local sales guys told me that I wouldn't get the same treatment in the service department if I didn't buy it from their dealership. When I scheduled my first service appointment I asked the service advisor if that was accurate and he told me that the sales guys will tell you anything to get a sale.

StevethePilot

+1

These days, the service department is probably taking in more money than the sales department. They should be grateful to service your vehicle, even under warranty (the factory pays them for that), but I would say get to know your SA and ask nicely once they see you're going to stick with them. And in the end, it's a free car to use, so I don't complain if I get a C300 or a Corolla, I'm glad to have something to use while my truck's being serviced!

Popo

In Chicago there is no difference in the treatment i have had at the 3 dealerships i go to from the SA's perspective and i always get a mercedes loaner. (last one i got was a new E class). All 3 had excellent service and the SA's explained what was done per the service sheets.

There is a BIG difference in the actual service done however. At one dealer they plain lied about doing an air filter inspection, and half-assed an oil change with a warning after 1 week. Needless to say i never used this dealership again.

Sales teams..they will say almost anything to get the sale done, although i think this is a common car sales trait for most car salespeople.

I now do my own services thanks to people on these boards who have done these tasks, as i do not trust the dealerships in my area with regular maintenance.

i_am_amused

amen to that

i'll rag on the lowly C300 loaner to my friends/family, but the SA thinks i love that car

TamZ

We purchased our 2011 GL350 down in Los Angeles. We live about an hour and 1/2 away. We've been having some major issues with quite a few things and decided to go to the dealer that is only 20 minutes from us (they did not have a black '11 350 bluetec--we happened upon this one down in LA at a cheer competition and jumped on it.)

The new dealership has been WONDERFUL TO ME. I was just there today...The tech spent an hour with me going over my car, a test drive in it, etc. to show him the issues.

They also are having a loaner car waiting for me when I bring it back in next week to be fixed. I couldn't be happier. They seemed happy to get our business!

Tam